“Here I go!” she shouted.
The little girl took a long stroke, but something went wrong. Her skate runner struck a rough place in the ice, causing her to lose her balance.
Frantically, she swung her arms, but she could not save herself. Down she went, landing with a hard thud which shook the ice.
All the Brownies burst into laughter, for Veve looked so dazed and surprised.
“Spare the ice!” Jane shouted. “We want a chance—”
Just then her feet flew out from beneath her and down she went beside Veve! Grandfather Gordon picked up both little girls, making certain that they were not hurt.
Then he took each by a hand and, walking between them, helped them to skate.
Soon all the Brownies were out on the ice having a wonderful time. Remembering Grandfather Gordon’s warning, they were careful to remain a safe distance away from the icehouse.
However, they noticed that some of the older boys actually were venturing out onto the area which had been so recently frozen. The ice there was very smooth, but dangerously thin.
“Those boys should know better!” said Connie anxiously.